Diarrhoea worry

THE Ministry of Health has noted an increase in the number of children in the country suffering from diarrhoea.

This was confirmed by non-communicable diseases national adviser Dr Isimeli Tukana.

Dr Tukana said the increase has been noted in children up to five years in all divisions.

"The increase is a result of lack of home remedy such as providing fluids and unhygienic ways used to prepare food," he said. Dr Tukana said diarrhoea was a food-related problem.

"Personal hygiene is very important. Food should be prepared in a clean manner and should at all times be protected from insects such as flies and cockroaches," he said.

Dr Tukana said once a child had been affected by diarrhoea, parents should ensure they start taking lots of fluids such as fresh fruit juice or Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS). "ORS is easily available in supermarkets and pharmacies and is important that parents provide their children with ORS."

Dr Tukana also advised parents to take their children to hospital immediately. And while no outbreak has been declared or deaths recorded, the ministry is concerned with majority of the children suffering from diarrhoea.